Salah’s first goal is just a genius strike, says Klopp

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp praised Mohamed Salah as he explained the reason behind the Egypt international’s substitution against AS Roma.

Salah scored twice and provided two assists as he guided Liverpool to a 5-2 victory over AS Roma in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. He has now scored 43 goals in all competitions since his summer move from the Serie A side.

“In this shape, he’s outstanding. Pretty much impossible to defend. He has a massive impact on how we play. I like the other boys of course, but the first goal is just a genius strike. It’s no coincidence, he’s done it before,” Klopp said in the press conference after the game.

The 25-year-old opened the scoring against his former club with a wonderful curling effort from the edge of the box after 35 minutes before chipping the ball over Alisson Becker to make it 2-0 just before half time. He then turned provider to Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Salah made way for Danny Ings in the 75th minute. Just six minutes after the Egypt international was subbed off, Edin Dzeko pulled one back for the guests. Diego Perotti then scored a second for the Italian side to make it 5-2 and revive their hopes ahead of the second leg.

When asked if Salah substitution was the reason behind conceding two late goals, Klopp said: “If someone wants to say it’s my mistake they scored two goals because I changed a striker I have no problem with that. It would not have helped anything if Mo got an injury, that was the reason.”